In the race for Sullivan County sheriff, only one of the candidates has a professional history of supervising police officers in the field — Sheriff John Simonds. He’s the only candidate who has led a sheriff’s department, both as the second in command and as the department head. He’s also the only candidate who has managed taxpayer dollars in the budget of a department the size of the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department.
Before you vote on Nov. 8, consider this — do we want solid, proven experience leading the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department, or do we want two years of on the job training on the taxpayers’ dime?
Matthew Hogan Newport
I was privileged on a recent afternoon to hear Justice Tina Nadeau of the New Hampshire Superior Court talk about the creation, evolution and success of drug courts in New Hampshire. Judge Nadeau delivered a truly remarkable and persuasive address. In doing so, she reminded me that in Grafton County, one of the two original Drug Courts was created in large part by two County Commissioners, Mike Cryans and Ray Burton.
They recognized that a Drug Court could save Grafton County taxpayers tremendous amounts of money, while delivering effective treatment for addicted persons. Even though they were denied federal money to start the program, they made a courageous and correct decision to go forward. As a result, Grafton County now has one of the best Drug Court programs in the state.
I hope voters will think about this history when considering Mike Cryans for Executive Council.
Peter Hoe Burling Cornish
Here are 10 good reasons to re-elect Sue Ford, our New Hampshire state representative for Grafton County District 3, including Orford, Piermont and Warren:
Ford’s achievements and experience include: Democratic floor leader in the House of Representatives; member of the finance committee; 2015 Peter Hoe Burling legislative leadership award; over 40 years service as an educator; chair, Grafton County Democrats.
Ford’s objectives: Create economic opportunities without sacrificing our natural environment; full burial of Northern Pass; stand up for public education; fight against increasing health care costs for seniors, women and families; respond effectively to constituent needs.
She is experienced, dedicated and willing to use common sense to solve problems. Please vote for Sue Ford.
Carl Schmidt Orford
It seems there is more and more advertising about Sen. Pat Leahy and all the good things he has done for the residents of Vermont. I am not questioning his accomplishments — there are many. What I do question is his reasoning in backing Hillary Clinton for the nomination when 85 percent of Vermont voters backed Bernie Sanders. Sen. Leahy says he gave her his word, which is honorable. But he also gave his word to the residents of Vermont who voted him in. Who comes first? I am sure now that Washington comes first.
It is time to give someone else a “go at it.” I am betting Scott Milne will be a good choice.
Joseph R. Krasnecky North Hartland
A Slate for Vermont Senate
Despite the political drama at the national level, we have very important races taking place here in Vermont. I am writing to encourage my neighbors in Windsor County to elect Dick McCormack, Alice Nitka and Alison Clarkson to the state Senate.
With a new governor, lieutenant governor and president pro tem, the Senate will see a lot of changes in leadership and have the opportunity to set the course for an agenda to move Vermont forward. Having been through such a change when I was in the state Senate, I know how this kind of change can set the course for policy decisions for years to come. We are fortunate to have a slate of experienced, energetic and principled candidates ready to take on this task at this important moment in Vermont. I hope you will consider supporting all three on Nov. 8.
Matt Dunne Hartland
The writer was a candidate for governor in the recent Democratic primary.
In the recent story about Princeton University’s tax case, there was mention of the Witherspoon Trust (“Princeton to Pay $18 Million in Property Tax Case,” Oct. 17). That refers to Dr. John Witherspoon, as in Witherspoon Road up the river in Ryegate, Vt., and Groton, Vt.
In the 1770s, the Scotland-born Presbyterian minister was president of what was then named the College of New Jersey. An interesting guy, while he wasn’t busy supervising his students and signing the Declaration of Independence, Witherspoon moonlighted in land speculation in the boondocks. He had once been granted a large parcel of land in Nova Scotia, which he later traded for a larger chunk of yet-to-be settled country along the Connecticut River in “New” England, which he was anxious to move around the time of the Boston Tea Party.
Chilling out at the Philadelphia docks, Witherspoon ran into co-religionist James Whitelaw, a 20-something surveyor fresh off the boat from the Glasgow area, who was in town representing an investment group named the Scotch American Company of Farmers. Witherspoon put Whitelaw and his assistant up in Princeton, where he made a sales pitch for the large holdings he owned in Ryegate, a township recently assigned to New York colony from New Hampshire by the Privy Council in London. By boat and horseback, Whitelaw first toured the Hudson Valley and then bushwhacked through what is now southwest Vermont to the Connecticut. Witherspoon’s tract, which made up most of the southern half of Ryegate, was found to be quite desirable for agriculture.
En route back to “Prince-town, the developer made a call on Eleazar Wheelock, who had made a similar property tour himself in the 1750s. As he told Whitelaw, Wheelock looked very favorably on Presbyterians, but he had only enough land available for 30 families.
Back in New Jersey, where Whitelaw’s journal noted a severe drought, a deal was soon made for 2,000 acres at two shillings per, to be paid in “York money.” Hence Witherspoon Road and nearby Scotch Hollow Road in Newbury, and a good story.
Dick Mackay Hanover
Conservation Endorsements
As a board member for Vermont Conservation Voters, I’m pleased to share that VCV has endorsed a number of local candidates for the Vermont Senate and House. These candidates have demonstrated environmental leadership and good lifetime voting records — which VCV tracks in its Legislative Scorecard, found at VermontConservationVoters.org.
In particular, Windsor County Senate candidates Dick McCormack and Alison Clarkson have consistently voted in support of environmental priorities — including climate action, clean water, toxic chemical reform, healthy forests and sustainable communities. On numerous occasions they have played an active role in pushing for bills that support a healthy, thriving environment, even when the going gets tough at the Statehouse. We are lucky to have these environmental leaders representing us in the Legislature, and I encourage you to vote for them this election.
Linda Gray Norwich